The socialist journal Links, initiated by the Australian Democratic Socialist Perspective (DSP) to promote international socialist collaboration and regroupment, has been relaunched as an online-only publication.
Managing editor Terry Townsend explained to Green Left Weekly that "An online format will allow us to publish more material, and generate better discussion about the way forward for the socialist movement."
According to Townsend, the following passage from the editorial of the second edition of the hard copy of Links is still relevant today: "We introduced ourselves in the first issue as a magazine for the post-Cold War left; a determinedly socialist, anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist magazine that rejects the Stalinist distortion of the socialist project … a magazine that is taking steps to … bring together the forces for socialism in the world today, a magazine that aspires to unite Marxists from different political traditions because it discusses openly and constructively."
"Links will continue in this spirit", Townsend said. "The current issue contains contributions from Australia, Venezuela, South Africa, Pakistan, Malaysia, South Africa and more.
"A particular highlight is an English translation of the
draft program of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela — a world first."
Townsend said coverage of the revolution in Venezuela was a priority for Links. "Its hard to overstate the importance of the unfolding struggle in Venezuela — it's really giving us a taste of what 21st Century socialism might look like, and Links has and will continue to publish unique and original coverage of this revolution."
Other highlights of the current issue include an article by Farooq Tariq, general secretary of the Labour Party Pakistan, on the situation in Pakistan following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto; a letter from the secretary general of the Socialist Party of Malaysia on the government attack on an anti-price hike protest on January 26; and coverage of the recent developments in British anti-war party Respect.
The new site will allow comments on published articles. Townsend pointed out that "we want more than just simple statements of agreement. Links' comments policy is intended to encourage substantial contributions that add to a lively discussion."
[The new website will is available at